Meet Ashley and Yecca, two of Aerie’s Assistant Designers. These two work hard on designing our brand’s bread & butter – we mean bras & undies! Read on to learn more about how they discovered their passion for design and their fave hang out spots in NYC.

How did you get your start with Aerie?

AB: I interned for Aerie when I was a senior in college. I loved it so much that I wanted to come back full time after I graduated.

YZ: I had just graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a BFA in Fashion Design (specializing in Intimate Apparel), when an Aerie recruiter found me on LinkedIn!

Who or what has been the most important influence in your life?

AB: I’d say my father has probably been the most important influence in my life. He taught me how to be independent and he also taught me that I could do anything I put my mind to. If I didn’t know these things I wouldn’t be where I am today.

YZ: Definitely my family. We immigrated to America when I was 4 years old so my parents and little sister are the only relatives I really grew up with. We’re very close and each encouraged me to follow my dreams in their own way. My father taught me to be dedicated and always push myself to do better, while my mother praised my small accomplishments and cheered me up whenever I felt down. My amazing little sister and favorite person in the world, who is already a tour de force at 13, continues to inspire me to be the best I can be.

Ashley, left, and Yecca, right, posing pretty against the New York cityscape.

AB: I started altering my own clothes when I was about 12. There was always something on them that I wanted to change! When I was about 15 I realized that I could actually do that as a career.

YZ: I took a sewing class my sophomore year of high school and thanks to the encouragement and support of my fantastic teacher Mrs. Patterson, I took the class five times over and each time loved it more and more. I had taken art classes before, but working with fabric and trims, and being able to wear my creation really gave me a satisfaction I had never experienced.

Yecca looks effortlessly breezy by the water

What is next on your ‘To Do In Life’ list?

AB: Travel! I’m kind of yearning for a big adventure. Like a road trip to Alaska, or traveling across Europe. I haven’t done anything like this in a while and I’m ready for another!

YZ: I hope to someday travel to every country in the world, starting with those in South America. I’m fascinated by the vibrant culture and welcoming locals. The food, the dancing, the jaw-dropping nature! The Salt Flats of Bolivia are first on my list and I can’t wait to go in January!

How would you describe your style?

AB: I would say my style is pretty girly but still a bit casual. I love to add something a little different to what I’m wearing. I usually add something that’s a bright color or lace. I LOVE tops with lace.

YZ: I like easy ensembles that incorporate multiple textures. Usually this means sheer and flowy, with some quirky dangly earrings. I grew to love earrings in college because they were the only piece of jewelry that didn’t interfere with my sewing and draping. I also always try to layer in my bra.🙂

Ashley loves a pop of color, making roses a perfect backdrop

Favorite Aerie Bra?

AB: Reese is my favorite lately. She has the amount of support that I like and I like that she always has a special lace or embellishment.

YZ: I love Hailey, because of her flattering plunge neckline and thin memory-foam pad. But to be honest, I also wear bralettes more than anything because I feel more natural and comfortable without a wire. I love layering them with my tops and dresses. Our Softest Lace Bralette is my favorite right now because they come in so many beautiful colors and everything about it is so soft!

How does your work influence your style?

AB: My work and my life totally influence my style. Working for a lingerie brand and working in NYC makes it easy to be a little more adventurous with my style at work. I usually try to incorporate some form of a lingerie-esque piece in my outfits. Whether it’s a bra strap that is a fun color or has a beautiful lace, or something sheer to make what you’re wearing underneath part of your outfit.

YZ: I used to only love muted colors and shades of grey (no pun intended). But designing for Aerie has led to a whole bevy of rich colors popping up in my wardrobe! Now I love mixing them together.

Ashley and Yecca walking along the water

What is your dream job?

AB: I’d love to have my own lingerie line one day. I also really want to have a job that allows me to travel. So I have to figure out how to do both at the same time!

YZ: One that takes me around the world in search of inspiration of all kinds. But life right now is not too shabby!

What is your favorite spot in NYC?

AB: This is a tough question! But I’d have to say Central Park. There are so many things to do there, especially in the summer. And the rooftop of the MET gives you a great view of the city.

YZ: I am quite partial to Brooklyn Bagel. There’s only one in Manhattan and fortunately it is right around the corner of my college. So every time I pulled an all-nighter or needed a pick-me-up, I’d reward myself with a scrumptious oversize “whole-lot-o’-grain” bagel smeared with any one of my favorite fillings (namely veggie tofu, jalapeno asiago, fig, or blueberry). I’m salivating just thinking about it!